New York accelerator GENIUS NY Virtual pitch finals to award $3 million for tech startups in the UAS industry

GENIUS NY, the world’s largest accelerator competition for unmanned systems and a business accelerator program at CenterState CEO’s Tech Garden, today announced they are hosting the virtual GENIUS NY Pitch Finals Night to award $3 million for technology in the startup companies in the UAS industry.

As part of the event, five GENIUS NY finalists will get 5 minutes to tell their story – who they are, what problem they’re solving, how they plan to scale, and why they want to do it in Central New York. Following the pitch, there will be a Q/A from our judges. GENIUS NY will award one grand prize investment of $1 million. The four runner-up teams will each receive a $500,000 investment.

The program, supported by Empire State Development Corporation, will invest nearly $3 million in the companies making it the largest business accelerator competition for the UAS industry in the world. The five teams, from around the world, are all located in Syracuse, New York, and will continue to grow their businesses over the course of the competition. The event is scheduled for 12 noon Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021. Register here to receive a link to the event. The registration is free.

Since 2017, GENIUS NY has invested $12 million in 22 companies from around the world and brought them to Central New York to participate in the yearlong in-residence accelerator where they receive assistance with product development, business development, as well as networking opportunities with investors and business leaders. Since 2017, GENIUS NY companies have raised more than $40 million in follow-on funding and have created over 50 jobs in Upstate New York.

Beyond the grand prize investments, participants benefit from access to some of the region’s premier startup programming, including business planning, industry-specific mentorship, and access to vetted service providers offering startup-friendly terms. Participants are also integrated into the larger regional effort to grow unmanned aerial systems in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley and will have access to world-leading infrastructure and testing assets. Participants also have opportunities to connect with investors for follow on funding.

CenterState CEO is an independent and forward-thinking economic development strategist, business leadership organization, and chamber of commerce; dedicated to the success of its members and the prosperity of the region. We serve as an advocate and resource for smart business, catalyze and facilitate regional growth, and promote community prosperity through results-driven partnerships, planning, and problem-solving.